5 responses so far ↓

• 1 Darcy // Sep 12, 2008 at 1:37 pm

  Well, it scares the poop out of me. After losing $5K in 3 months in my 401K, learning that my house will probably sell for waaay under its value, and then paying out the nose at the gas station, I’m throwing up my hands. Sorry mom and dad in Chattanooga, but I can’t afford to come see you! And friends in Hoover, hope your kids don’t grow too fast because Auntie D has to save up to drive the 15 miles to visit.

  I typically only refer to it as “The R that must not be named” but the ugly head of R(ecession) is rearing…and there’s no way to push it back. It’s also scary that ALL of this is happening at the same time as our presidential election, and hurricanes in the Gulf make matters worse. Dear Lord, please help us Americans. I know we’re responsible for the rest of the world, but could you please help us get back on our feet? I promise to donate to charities and continue to drive my Honda Civic! We need a miracle!

• 2 ageekgirl // Sep 12, 2008 at 2:27 pm

  While it may not technically be gouging, IMO there sure is some heavy handed opportunistic gas prices shifts going on. Gas has jumped in some place $.20 to $.50 per gallon for no reason other than fear. There a real cynical part of me that thinks that the gas stations this morning on the news who said “Oh no, Don’t fill up you gas tanks” were actually saying “Please panic, we want everyone to go out and fill up now.” The gas supply line hasn’t been affected yet, but we’re seeing price jumps. “As much as the market will bear”, right?

• 3 UPDATE: Gas prices rising | The Terminal — Birmingham AL’s hub // Sep 12, 2008 at 5:03 pm

  [...] leads us to today’s Magic City Question, appropriately posted after all of you have gotten back from lunch… We’ll look forward [...]

• 4 Wojo // Sep 20, 2008 at 8:59 pm

  Get used to it. There’s more to come.

• 5 Wesley // Oct 25, 2008 at 5:14 pm

  While high gas prices are a downer for some folks, it creates loads of local opportunities that alot of people aren’t thinking about. The local scooter market it taking off (there are dealerships in bham, Tuscaloosa and Mobile that are raking it in), and the newer ethanol market is certainly taking advantage of the situation. Most gas stations are already selling a 10% mixture. Farmers are also loving the spike in corn prices. I’ve heard rumor that most farmers will be cutting back on cotton next year to focus on corn…a wise move that’s sure to help the local folks.

  For the world view, I also think it’s not such a bad thing. The folks selling the gas aren’t exactly friendly with us. For them to take a hit (however minor) makes me smile. With the new 10% ethanol mixture, the gas producers just took a 10% reduction in demand…good stuff

  While the fluctuations will hurt low-income folks (what doesn’t) in the short term, the job opportunities that will be created will help the overall picture.

  These fluctuations just help to highlight many of the inefficiencies our nation has carried for generations. I’m excited about the changes this will bring for businesses and the smart folks able to take advantage of it.

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